Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) vs Dell Precision 5680
The Verdict
These laptops target fundamentally different use cases. MacBook Pro 13" Intel excels as a portable workhorse with exceptional build quality, superior port connectivity (4 Thunderbolt 4 ports), and macOS ecosystem integration, weighing just 3.1 lbs. Its 2560 x 1600 Retina display delivers crisp visuals at 500 nits brightness. However, the 4-core Intel 10th Gen processor and 16GB RAM feel dated for a 2020 model, limiting multitasking and demanding workloads. Dell Precision 5680 operates in a different tier entirely. The 16-inch OLED touch display (3840 x 2400 at 400 nits) offers stunning color accuracy for creative professionals, paired with a powerhouse 14-core Intel i9-13900H, 32GB DDR5 ECC RAM, and 1TB expandable storage. It's built for workstations running CAD, video editing, and data science tasks. The tradeoff: 4.49 lbs weight, fewer USB-C ports (2 vs. 4), and Windows 11 Pro requiring different workflows. At $1799 versus $2499, the MacBook Pro suits ultraportable daily drivers needing longevity and seamless Apple integration. The Precision 5680 justifies premium pricing for professionals requiring raw compute power and color-critical displays. Choose MacBook Pro for portability and simplicity; pick Dell for performance-intensive creative work.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) if…
- →4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- →16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- →Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
Buy the Dell Precision 5680 if…
- →NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada workstation GPU with ISV certifications
- →4K OLED touch display with 100% DCI-P3 for color-critical work
- →ECC memory option for error-free computation in CAD/simulation
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020)
Pros
- 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports — double the lower-end 13-inch models
- 16 GB RAM standard in the 4-port configuration
- Supports multiple external displays unlike M1 models
- Excellent Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone
- Reliable Intel ecosystem with broad software compatibility
Cons
- Dramatically outperformed by the M1 chip in both speed and efficiency
- 10-hour battery life is nearly half the M1 MacBook Pro
- Fans spin up frequently and loudly under moderate loads
- Touch Bar is widely disliked and was later discontinued
- Thermal throttling limits sustained performance
Dell Precision 5680
Pros
- NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada workstation GPU with ISV certifications
- 4K OLED touch display with 100% DCI-P3 for color-critical work
- ECC memory option for error-free computation in CAD/simulation
- Compact for a mobile workstation — smaller than most 16-inch laptops
- Dell's enterprise support and manageability tools
Cons
- Expensive starting at $2,499 with workstation GPU configs much higher
- Only USB-C/Thunderbolt — no built-in USB-A or HDMI
- OLED display limited to 60Hz refresh rate
- Fan noise under sustained workstation loads is loud
- Battery life drops to 4-5 hours under GPU-intensive tasks
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) | Dell Precision 5680 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Big Sur | Windows 11 Pro |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) | 4.49 lbs (2.04 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum | CNC machined aluminum |
| Dimensions | 12.0 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches | 13.64 x 9.17 x 0.74 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB-C ports | 4 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 4 | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 58 Wh | 86 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.3 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS | OLED touch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3840 x 2400 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB (configurable to 4 TB) | 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB DDR5 ECC |
| Cores | 4 cores / 8 threads | 14 cores (6P + 8E) |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (10th Gen) | Intel Core i9-13900H (13th Gen) |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all Dell products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 13" Intel (Late 2020) or the Dell Precision 5680.